In what is a unique first for Grand Slam tennis, the 2019 Australian Open will feature a 10-point super tie-break to break final-set deadlocks in men’s and women’s matches.

While the decision to implement such a radical change has not gone down too well with tennis fans, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley staunchly defended the move, saying, “We went with a 10-point tie-break at six games all in the final set to ensure the fans still get a special finale to these often epic contests, with the longer tie-break still then allowing for that one final twist or change of momentum in the contest.”

“This longer tie-break also can lessen some of the serving dominance that can prevail in the shorter tie-break.”

The rule change also means that each of the four Grand Slams will have a different scoring pattern. While the Australian Open will employ a tie-break at 6-6 in the final set, the Wimbledon tie-break will come into effect only at 12-12.

The French Open remains the only Slam to avoid the use of a final set tie-break.

The decision received widespread criticism on social media, with fans slamming the organisers for taking away a chunk of the entertainment.

If you don't enjoy a match that goes 16-14 in the fifth, you probably don't like tennis. It's my favourite part of a grand slam match, not knowing which player will eventually win the physical battle, which player is the toughest mentally. This is a shocking move #AusOpenhttps://t.co/ylDENyqGZa

Who did you consult? The protected species aka #rogerfederer?? All you do is cater to corporates and free loaders. Screw the fans both cost and comfortwise. Attended 12 years in a row, no more #AusOpenhttps://t.co/1dh3eZH0rO

Very, very disappointed by the decision to introduce final set tiebreakers for the #AusOpen This means close matches will be decided by luck, one or two lucky moments in the tiebreak and it's game over. Another poor decision by Craig. 👎 @AustralianOpen@CraigTiley

The best matches at the #AusOpen has been due to that 5th or 3rd set depending on Women’s or Men’s and now the @AustralianOpen has ruined that by introducing a fucking tiebreaker. Its a GRAND SLAM @TennisAustralia The game deserves better than a tiebreaker to win a match.

A bad decision 👎 We had some epic, very exciting, entertaining matches/battles with the long 3rd sets (@Schiavone_Fra vs @SvetlanaK27) in Grand Slams. And tiebreak is always about luck too. But the better player should win, not the luckier one ! #WTA@AustralianOpen#AusOpen

You have 7 point tie break in all other sets. But you make it a 10 point one in the last. It doesn’t make sense. You either have a 7 point tie break in all sets or have an advantage set in the last. Idiots at @TennisAustralia#ausopen